Saving money is important, especially if you are a student dealing with a tight budget. To cut back on car costs this Christmas season, look over the tips found below. 

1. Share a Car with a Fellow Student or Friend

If you wish to go anywhere during the holiday season, it may be in your best interest to share a car with somebody you trust.

Maybe you want to go to the movies, or perhaps you simply need to pick up a few things at a store. Ask the people around you, be they a neighbour, a family member or a friend, if they are running any errands or taking on any activities that could correspond with your own. If they are, go along with them and have them drop you off when everything is done. 

Of course you can find someone on goCarShare too.

2. Look for Cheaper Insurance If It Is Time to Renew

If it is time to renew your car insurance, it would be in your best interest to find a provider with cheaper options.

Car insurance for young drivers can be expensive, and both parents and the young driver can suffer with their finances as a result.

Do some research online to find a company with low prices. Check reviews from past and current customers to discover if there have been any problems with a certain company. Finding cheaper car insurance for young drivers may seem difficult, but with some effort and feedback from other people, you can find something that works for you.

3. Do Not Drive Unless Necessary

Another way to save money on your car involves driving only when it is absolutely necessary. Some students are restless when they do not have to attend any classes or tackle homework; as a result, they are tempted to take their car out and drive it anywhere and everywhere. This can result in more gas that needs to be purchased, leading to more money spent. If you need to go somewhere, see if you can get somebody to give you a ride, as mentioned in the tip above. If this is not an option, use your car.

4. Have the Car Checked By a Professional

The health of your car is important. If it is not in good shape, you cannot expect it to work as it should. If you live in an area that deals with severe winter conditions, make sure that you have an auto mechanic look over your car before snow falls.

A professional will be able to spot any problems before they become too serious. You should make sure that your heater, brakes, tires and so on are not worn or in trouble in any way. Should something break down, you could end up paying a large bill, or become stranded at the worst possible time. If you take precautions, however, you should be fine.

Top tips to reduce your fleet running costs this winter

Many businesses rely on company cars to transport their employees to important meetings and it’s because of this owners need their fleet to be both reliable and affordable. With petrol prices rocketing this year, striking a balance between these two areas is becoming an increasingly difficult task to manage. So, with this in mind, here are a few top tips for running a fleet of cars in a cost-efficient manner.

Select the right vehicles

The type of cars you run will of course make a huge impact on the money you need to pay out both on an annual and day-to-day basis. When purchasing new cars you should consider factors like the vehicle’s fuel-efficiency, the tax bracket it falls into and the condition of the car itself. Many fleet owners want their vehicles to make a good impression when they are out on the roads or seen by associates and it can be tempting to opt for flashier models on this basis. However, before you do this make sure you fully consider the long-term running costs of the vehicle. Besides, what better impression can be created than to show your firm is aware of social and environmental responsibility?

Shop around for the best price

Whether it’s making sure you have got the best price for your fleet insurance, or securing a good price on services and valeting with a garage, spending some time conducting research can make you significant savings. Speaking to insurance specialists who understand the needs of a fleet better may mean you get a better value and more tailored package, so look at the offerings of the likes of Staveley Head fleet insurance. When it comes to car maintenance, often when you have a number of vehicles and can offer repeat business, you are able to negotiate a better deal; so don’t be afraid to ask if there is any flexibility with prices.

Make the most of what you’ve got

Rather than supplying company cars direct to employees, it can be more beneficial to set up a car pool or sharing scheme. Having a set number of vehicles that can be used by a number of employees, rather than individuals, will help you cut the volume of cars you need to buy and run, helping you to reduce your outgoings.

Car sharing can also help the environment too. If you do have a fleet of cars that are driven by a number of individuals, don’t forget to make sure they are all adequately insured.

Whilst it might be a little exaggeration to say that Christmas is round the corner, it’s not a million miles away and we have some exciting for those of you who fall into the ‘organised Christmas shoppers’ brigade:

The Ideal Home Show will be launching a special Ideal Home Show Christmas at Earls Court this year.
To get into the sharing spirit, they offering a special deal for you… 2 tickets for £10. Just quote the code GOSHARE when you book your tickets.

There will be a host of top exhibitors with everything from Christmas presents, fashion to home improvement.

You can read more about it here.

Feeling stressed? Then you need to get yourself to The Big Chill. It’s not all relaxing. Unless dancing to The Chemical Brothers and listening to Kayne is your idea of a relaxing time.

However, it is set in the beautiful Eastnor Castle Deer Park. What’s more we are running a competition with the Big Chill which means that if you car share you’ll receive a chance to get upgraded to VIP tickets.

Any driver who enters a car share request here will get sent a goCarShare bumper sticker. You just need to display the bumper sticker on your car when you drive to The Big Chill. One lucky car load will be picked out on the gates and upgraded to VIP.

This means hanging in the bar, hot showers and clean loos. Sound pretty stress free to us.

Have fun,

The goCarShare Team

PS More information is available here.